Sharifi replaces injured Naveen-ul-Haq for T20 series, World Cup

KABUL (Pajhwok): Young fast bowler Zia-ur-Rahman Sharifi has been drafted into the Afghanistan squad as a replacement for Naveen-ul-Haq, who has been ruled out of the forthcoming three-match T20I series against the West Indies and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup due to injury.

Medical reports have confirmed that Naveen-ul-Haq has sustained a stress fracture in his right shoulder, forcing him to miss both the bilateral series and the T20 World Cup, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) stated.

The ACB added that Naveen-ul-Haq will undergo surgery in the United Kingdom under the supervision of a specialised medical team as part of his treatment and recovery.

Meanwhile, Zia-ur-Rahman Sharifi, who was initially named among the reserve players, has now been promoted to the main squad for both events. Left-arm fast bowler Farid Ahmad Malik has been added to the reserve pool.

Afghanistan are scheduled to face the West Indies in the series opener on 19 January, followed by the second match on 21 January and the third on 22 January.

kk/sa